2008 Ford Escape

2006 Los Angeles auto show: Ford adds style and flair, but no additional power to its popular Escape.

STEVE SILER

Nov 1, 2006

In spite of banal styling and mediocre quality, the Ford Escape has remained one of the best-selling compact SUVs on the market. Next spring, Ford hopes to maintain its strong position with the redesigned 2008 Escape. But don't be fooled by its macho exterior; mechanically speaking, most of the old Escape is still trapped inside.

The Escape's new styling does toughen its image quite a bit, with a higher beltline, a bolder new front fascia and lighting units. New wheels and more prominently flared fenders give it a more visually planted stance. The cladding of the former model has been removed, thankfully, for a cleaner look. "The goal from the beginning was to make Escape look even stronger and tougher than the original," says Doyle Letson, chief designer for the 2008 Escape.

Inside, changes are more significant, including upgraded materials, more sound insulation, new seat fabrics made from 100-percent-recycled materials, a completely redesigned dashboard, and a center stack featuring a Mazda-like info display atop the dash. Passenger space remains relatively unchanged, allowing certain competitors—some of which offer third-row seats—to retain any advantages they currently claim in this significant area. New goodies include an iPod jack, a huge center console and an available navigation system. Also new is the "ice blue" interior illumination replacing the blasé Ford green currently staring so many millions of Ford drivers in the face today.

Mechanical changes are more minor, including new speed-sensitive electric power steering, as well as low-dust brake linings. The hybrid (below left) and V-6 models stay with four-wheel disc brakes but, unfortunately, the four-cylinders retain their archaic disc/drum setup.

For all that's changed, the Escape's three front- and all-wheel-drive powertrains have not. As before, the base 2.3-liter 16-valve four-cylinder makes 153 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque while the optional 3.0-liter 24-valve V-6 produces 200 horsepower and 193 lb-ft. The Escape Hybrid continues with its 133 horsepower, 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine supplemented by a 70 kW electric motor. Both gas-only engines come only with a four-speed-automatic, while a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is the only available transmission for the hybrid model. The on-road-biased optional all-wheel drive system is also carryover.

All told, the new Escape seems to be a case of not messing with a success. However, we wonder if Ford's decision to ignore its powertrains might ultimately allow success to "escape" Ford in the end.